Mental Wellness
The aim of the Mental Wellness program is to increase the capacity of Exodus and local service providers to respond to the mental health concerns of refugees in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Refugees come from culturally diverse backgrounds and it is critical to allow for an exploration of both understanding and beliefs as they relate to mental health and wellbeing and to address their particular experiences. Additionally, it is crucial that the program is designed to strengthen clients’ resiliencies and protective factors. The program will consist of an initial mental health assessment tool that will be used by case managers when clients arrive. Once needs are assessed, therapeutic services may be utilized in individual, family and other group sessions. In addition to clinical services, psycho-educational concepts on mental wellness will be integrated into Exodus’ language and cultural education classes and individual mental wellness training sessions will be held. Another aspect of the program will be to address the mental wellness of caregivers who work with refugee clients. This will be designed in order to promote self care and reduce the incidence of emotional burnout sometimes referred to as “compassion fatigue” or “secondary traumatization.” Given that this is an emerging program, there will be ongoing assessment of needs and development as the program continues to evolve.